What is Faith/Belief?

Faith is a wholehearted acceptance of the word of God. Abraham's faith is described thus, "Being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." There are three elements of faith revealed in this statement:

1. The word of God came to Abraham. Therefore the hearing of God's word must precede faith. "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God."

2. Abraham accepted God's word as God's word. It would have been no less God's word had Abraham rejected it, but his acceptance of it is what allowed him to have faith in it.

3. Abraham not only recognized that the word was God's word, but was fully persuaded that God was able to perform that which He promised.

No. "Therefore to him that worketh not, but believeth on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted unto him for righteousness." And, "It is of faith, that it might be by grace."

1. Faith in the claim of Jesus to be the Christ promised from the beginning of the world andthat His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection are the only grounds for forgiveness of sin and impartation of eternal life is the sole condition for receiving the gift of the new birth and eternal life. As Jesus said,

"If you believe not that I am he, you will die in your sins."

2. Faith in the practical instructions of God's word will lead the believer into practical obedience to the commandments of God. Faith in the overall presentation of God and His promises in His word will lead the believer into a fuller understanding, appreciation of, and rejoicing in Christ.

Whereas all we know of God (excepting His existence which is witnessed through the creation), His promises, and His Christ is found in the Scriptures it is not possible to have saving and transforming faith in God apart from a knowledge of Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. As Paul said,

"Now unto him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."

Amen!

Mark Osgatharp

 

Hi Bob. Regarding the second question, the way I see it, salvation is a result of CHRIST's faith, not human faith (Gal. 2: 16, Philippians 3: 9). Accordingly, I believe that human "faith" is a work. At best, it's an "evidence" that Christ's faith has already saved us.

On the other hand, Grace is NOT a work. Quite the opposite, Grace is a "gift" (Eph. 2: 8). A gift by definition is something that is received "unearned" without any work. If even the slightest amount of "work" is involved in receiving a gift, then it is no longer a "gift."

Finally, many believe by their own faith, but not by Christ's faith, and these ones remain unsaved (James 2: 19, Matt. 7: 22-23). Thanks! latterrain77

 

Faith is accepting what God says, simply because God said it….

 

I believe I copied this from Barnes' commentary on a Bible study program I have. But I liked what it stated about faith. The commentary was on Hebrews chapter 11.

“So wherever true faith exists, there is a readiness to abandon the hope of gain, and brilliant prospects of distinction, and fascinating pleasures, in obedience to the command of God..”

In Christ

Ronnie

 

Ephesian 2:8= for by grace are we saved through faith and not of ourselves, it is the gift of God.

Hebrew 11:1= for faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

I heard a Reformed Presbyterian say on the radio once that faith is our enjoyment of God's provision. I think that is a good definition.

 

Hmmmm.... That sounds to me like the author is saying that we'll believe in God if He gives us what we need. Faith is MUCH MORE than that!

http://www.quotegarden.com/faith.html

 

By provision is meant His salvation.

 

No, faith isn't a work the person does. If you see an apple on an apple tree you don't have faith that it's an apple through any fault of your own, an apple is an apple and simply by being an apple it proved the truth to you.
Don't compare this to oranges. Ok?
Gina